Yesterday’s blog post, Should we adopt this puppy? has had some completely unexpected and bizarre repercussions.
Someone forwarded the post to Kim Knapp, founder of Friendly Giants Dog Rescue, and she hated it. I don’t understand what her problem with it is, as she doesn’t seem to be able to articulate it, but she really hates the post.
Not only is she not allowing us to adopt the puppy in question, and barring us from adopting any dog from FGDR, but she claims to have contacted all the other dog rescues in the Ottawa area. She says we should not be allowed to adopt a dog. She says “The rescue community is a very tight-knit family and stuff like this travels like wildfire.”
What I want to know is, STUFF LIKE WHAT? What have we said that would make anyone think we’re unfit to adopt a dog?
She’s also threatening to sue me.
You can read the original post and all the comments here.
Time to check out the OHS. Surely they won’t have you on some watch list because of your post re: Vixen. They’ll assess your wants and help you find a dog that is suited to you. True there is no ‘trial period’ – can you imagine the turmoil that could cause dogs to have if they were in a different home each weekend? Truth is it can take months for a dog to adjust to a new home (and vice versa). The best part is that once the dog and you have developed a pattern and a rhythm, it’s a beautiful thing. It might even take a few months for the right dog to come along, but that will give you more time to assess whether a dog is really what you want.
You could also become a foster parent for dogs. While you normally wouldn’t be allowed to adopt your fosters it will give you a good opportunity to have different dogs in your home and see if the dog lifestyle is for you. It truly is a life-changer.
Good luck and let me also chime in to say that I’m very glad you’ve committed to not buying from a petstore!
Hi Ciaowchow. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Humane Society’s website for a few weeks now, and we’ve gone in a couple of times to check out the dogs. I adopted my last dog, Sam, from the Humane Society in 1991, and my dogcat, Duncan, in 2008. More recently, GC adopted Billie and Lester, the lovebirds, from the Humane Society. All positive experiences, and excellent pets.
Wow, that is so very bizarre and awful. I understand that people who work for these agencies are very invested in their animals and just want to find them the best families, but they also need to recognize that there is a lot of thought and decision-making from an adopter’s end to find a “good fit” for your family. Finding a “good fit” isn’t just limited to temperament and size, though! For me, like for Zoom, it was also about finding a dog that fit my vision of “my dog” – I want to think my dog is cute as heck!
To Kim Knapp: I have donated to Friendly Giants Dog Rescue in Ottawa multiple times over the past few years. I will not be doing so again. That kind of attitude does not get dogs adopted: it intimidates people straight to the pet store and back yard breeders. You should be more accepting of peoples various paths to finding their perfect companion.
I think you’re right that it intimidates people straight to the pet stores and backyard breeders. I can definitely see why people wouldn’t want to subject themselves to this kind of treatment.
I’m speechless. Sorry this happened to you. She sounds totally unreasonable. But thanks for posting. Now I know who to avoid when I adopt a dog.
Happy to help.
Pet adoption is a serious issue for people involved. You might find the Ontario Superior Court decision in Weinberg v. Connors to be informative.
Maybe that cat rescuer should have kept that kitten if she was so attached to it!
What the heck? Are you reading this, Kim Knapp? You’re not doing your organization any favours by being unreasonable, inarticulate and a total bully. It would be nice if you actually explained yourself so Zoom has a fair chance to respond.
Third Elf! What a lovely surprise! I’m sure this is a crazy busy time of year for you, so I especially appreciate you taking the time to make a rare appearance on my blog.
Wow. All I can say is wow.
I’d really like to know what that lawsuit is all about.
I’m mildly curious about that too, Valerie. 😉
your reservations about breed and idiosyncracies were honest and human. and yes, people fall instantly in love with lab puppies.or baby border collies.. i think that is genetic.. but most people fall deeply in love with their adopted dogs and it doesn’t take long at all. the response must be hurtful and confusing for you.
My son, who was 10 at the time, chose our last dog, Sam, at the Humane Society. Sam wasn’t my idea of a great-looking dog, but he seemed like a good match in general and my son thought he was absolutely perfect. As soon as he saw Sam, he didn’t want to look at any more dogs, because this was The One. While I went looking for an adoption agent, he stationed himself by Sam’s cage and told everybody who walked by “This one’s taken.”
For my son, it was love at first sight. It took me a week or so longer. I think the first time I saw his ears wet, I fell in love with him. His ears got all crinkly and adorable whenever they were wet.
He was a great dog.
How odd… that because you were honest about your mixed feelings for a dog, that she’d refuse you a dog.
Do you know Karla from Global Pet Food, she seems to be a good person to know and might be a good person to talk to regarding breeds and how to go about getting what you want. (And would work with birds.) (I can facebook introduce you, drop me a line.)
Thanks Nat. I’ll do that!
This woman obviously doesn’t know what you are like…that you research things to death; make and unmake decisions regulary (on paper); become totally immersed in the decision making process…all of which means, when you do make a decision (like the decision to adopt Vixen), it is the right one. Unfortunately, this woman (and her friend, susan) are like a lot of zealots. They see only black and white and don’t bother to take into consideration any of the other evidence…only the evidence that they believe supports their view. It is their loss. Due to their unprofessional and biased decision to turn against you, they have lost not only a fantastic home for a beautiful dog, but public support and financial aid. I know that you and GC will find your forever dog and that lucky dog will have a fantastic life.
Thanks Deb. We read your comment last night, while out and about, and we were both sobbing while driving down the Queensway.
I was specially instructed to come over and comment because I’m not at all surprised by this reaction from the FDGR. Once upon a time I spent a couple of years slogging my way through the dog adoption process and I’m convinced that they’d rather put a dog down than give him to someone that isn’t 100% of the same mindset as the dog adoption folks. If I’m looking at your last blogpost through what I know of the eyes of these paragons of animal welfare, then I would say they’ve blackballed you because you come across as not serious enough about this grave undertaking. It’s not about what you want, it’s about what’s best for the dog. So, you shouldn’t be thinking “will this dog get along with my parrots…is he cute enough for me to love…is he slobbery…does he feel nice..is he aggressive…etc. You should be thinking “this dog needs and deserves a good home and I will adjust my home and my lifestyle so that he will be happy.” And above all, you shouldn’t be doing an internet poll to see if you should go for it or not. The whole thing is very frustrating. I think it’s easier to adopt a child. These people know that no one is going to care for these dogs like they can — kind of like how you’d be if you had to give Duncan to someone to adopt.. you’d probably find a lot of reasons to not give him to a lot of people. If you have the time and patience you guys might be better off getting a puppy from a reputable breeder. The good ones are also pretty psychotic about giving up their pups, but not nearly as bad as the adoption community.
XUP! So nice to see you back here again. I’ve been meaning to drop you a line to tell you that I found a wedding ring on the street a couple days ago. Since you’re the official finder of lost wedding rings, I took it as a sign to contact you.
This is my first experience trying to adopt from the adoption community (not counting the Humane Society), but I just assumed that this bizarre experience was the exception rather than the rule. Even within FGDR, this woman seems to be the exception rather than the rule. The other people we dealt with (the adoption agent and Vixen’s foster family) seemed like nice, reasonable, conscientious people.
I hope I’m right about this.
I’ve read the post in question, and the only thing I can imagine might have caused such ugliness is a misapprehension by Ms. Knapp that you characterized *FGDR* as a puppy mill. Don’t assume she actually read the post, either. She might me acting on hearsay, that provided by whomever “forwarded” it in the first place, who themselves clearly did not comprehend the post.
It’s puzzling. I figure it must have started out as a misunderstanding of what she read, and then she dove in head-first without looking or thinking. She doesn’t strike me as the type who can admit when she’s wrong, so now she has to stay committed to her error.
This woman and her fellow rescue folks should go back and read posts about your other pets. You are one of the best pet owners I know! You never adopt a pet spontaneously which would be a setting for failure. You carefully consider it, and once you adopt your pets are loved and cared for to a degree unmatched by most! If I had to find a home for one of my babies, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose you and GC.. Best of luck finding a new dog, the right one for you is going to be very well loved
Thanks Connnie for the vote of confidence! I feel sad the next dog won’t be Vixen, but I’m sure she’ll find good people, and we’ll find another good dog.
ANYONE who knows you or GC know that you are the MOST RESPONSIBLE dog owners around! Not only do you love and care for your dogs as members of the family, you are *honest* enough to talk about the whole process of loving, loss, and falling in love all over again. Your blog is a very candid reflection of what WE ALL GO THROUGH when we think about adopting a pet. If they think the people they approve are any different perhaps they should ask why their rescue focusses on large breeds – because people do have preferences based on things like space time and yes looks and SIZE. I’m not usually a fan of small yappy breeds, they irk me and I don’t think they generally work well in a large family atmosphere andPapapan has tinnitus so they really irk him. That doesn’t mean we don’t know and love several small dogs – we do! But if we were discussing adoption things like grooming, like size, drooling, how well they get along with cats, with livestock – all those things would come up.
You’ll find your dog Zoom. In the meantime I will be spreading this story around too!
Thanks very much, Mudmama. I’m glad to have you in my corner!
That’s very weird and heartbreaking for you! They should at least be able to articulate WHY you are refused. If they can’t articulate it then how can they justify it? I remember your old pooch (his name escapes me at the moment) and he was happy and well loved. Take heart, not all dog rescues are so … odd!
My old guy was Sam. Were you at his 100th birthday party?
I’m speechless. This is the silliest thing I’ve ever seen. I read your last post, and there’s nothing in there to indicate that you wouldn’t be an amazing owner for any dog. And she wants to sue you?? On what grounds.
This makes me really leery of animal rescue groups other than the Humane Society. I have a friend looking for a dog. I’m going to forward this post to her so that she can avoid the FGDR.
Thanks Alison.
I have a major issue with her naming you and GC specifically on her FB page warning other people to BEWARE.
She actually did that!!
I’m not a member of FB but it would probably be a good idea to take a screen shot of that and tuck it away just in case it is needed at some point.
She actually did that. But that is not the most disturbing entry on the page. Scroll down a few days.
Oh yes… The little celebration she had? Completely inappropriate and unprofessional.
This is the part that is most upsetting to GC and me – being named, lied about, blacklisted and having our reputations dragged through the mud, for absolutely no good reason.
Zoom, this is terrible and awful. Your posts about Sam in his last days were heartbreaking. To anyone who’s been reading your blog the idea that you wouldn’t be a good dog owner is the most ridiculous thought ever.
Thank you Megan. I still cry when I think about Sam’s last days, even though it’s been almost five years now.
You’ve done nothing wrong. The fact that they have publicly misrepresented you is grounds for liable. You don’t sound like the type of people who will go after a non-profit, but if it’s preventing you from eventually adopting a dog you may be forced to take action.
The only thing you’ve done is question whether you want to make the commitment to adopting a certain dog, which you clearly understand is a forever thing, not an until something else comes along thing. You did it in a public forum in a fair and unbiased way.
Good luck!
Also at the chance that they will likely delete it, I posted the following to their facebook page:
This is grounds for liable. These people have done nothing wrong aside from being indecisive about whether to adopt a specific dog or not. They merely want to be sure they will want to raise a puppy BEFORE the make the commitment. Defamation of character is illegal and you’re leaving your organization to a costly lawsuit.
Personally I think you owe these people an apology and a retraction for your actions before this escalates further.
They deleted our comments in defense of Zoom and have disabled comments to anyone who does not LIKE their page. This is completely disgusting.
Thank you Erik, and Meagan too.
In all the years I’ve been blogging, I think I’ve only ever deleted two comments. Maybe three. I haven’t deleted any comments from these two blog posts about FGDR.
I would never delete a comment because I disagreed with it or because it might convince others to disagree with me. That’s because I believe in freedom of speech and I believe in not being a heavy-handed control freak.
The fact that Kim’s deleting all dissenting opinions from the FGDR facebook page speaks volumes.
This is only doing FGDR harm to itself by showing how rigid and illogical it is. Sane, caring and wise people, such as the ones who have posted here, will spread the word and this organization will lose support for its cause. With all the publicity over Paws puppy mill, I’m convinced more people will take note of this fanatical rescue group and they will pay for their foolishness. Let’s hope the animals won’t suffer because of it.
And be assured, you will find your dog (or your dog will find you). Perhaps you are just the lightning rod for changing the way this group operates.
I hope so. I actually feel bad for the other people who volunteer their time with FGDR. I met some of them at the 2nd annual FGDR adoption day, and they seemed like good people. I don’t think they’re all like Kim.
We have been considering adopting a dog from a rescue organization due to the the loss of our 13 year old dog recently. Not sure what to do, sounds like if i go in and suggest that i am looking for a Yellow or Black labrador retriever and they dont have one, i would be banned from adopting at a later date because i didnt take the dog that
they felt i should adopt, not one that was best suited to my life or preferances?
Sincere Condolences on the loss of your dog. How heartbreaking it is to lose a furry family member.
I don’t think you should judge all rescue organizations by the outrageous actions of one. There are lots of other rescues out the and I’m willing to bet that most of them are run by adults.
Unfortunately this story doesn’t surprise me. Before my husband and I got our dog Selena we tried to go the adoption route and I called one Ottawa rescue to see if they had any dogs that might fit us. The woman on the phone was incredibly abrupt, rude and well bitchy!
I understand it must be difficult rescuing animals and its natural to get angry at people sometimes, but not everyone runs puppy mills or physically abuses or neglects their animals. I have loved and taken care of dogs and cats and other creatures since I was little, as has my husband. The people running some of these rescues are becoming selfish and bitter and are turning away normal decent people who want to help them and their rescued pets!
I do think you need to take action they’ve named you and GC on facebook and said this about you “They post as if the dog they are looking at adopting is piece of furniture. Those are not the kind of people that “reputable” rescues adopt to. Its one thing to blog about adopting a new pet but a total other to be completely crass and disrespectful about an animal who did not choose to be born or live the life it has lived. Wonder if they felt that way if their child came out with a malformity, they’d probably get rid of it because “it was not drop to your knees” perfect!!!!”
I feel sick for you. Just heartbroken. I know you and GC would make the most wonderful companions to the right dog and Friendly Giants Dog Rescue would be LUCKY to count you as supporters and adoptive puppy parents. Shame on them.
A note to FGDR: Every one of your applicants should ask the very questions Zoom asked of herself in considering that puppy’s adoption. It is only through that kind of thoughtful consideration that one can truly come to an honest decision. You should WANT your applicants to be honest with you and with themselves in order to determine the right fit.
Zoom, I’m 100% in your corner. This is the most ridiculous thing I have read in a VERY long time.
I just posted a comment on FGDR and they deleted it and Mudmama’s post. All I said was that they should look before they leap. I said that you and GC were two of the most morally and socially responsible people I know, and the ideal people to take in a needy animal.
I did not say anything else that might have been seen as derogatory.
They also blocked both of us from making further comments. Their comment on your treating dogs as furniture is just nuts, and it seems they are too. Let’s hope money originally destined for them goes elsewhere. Your experience might save many other future dog lovers from an even worse experience with these people.
They haven’t deleted me yet. I will keep an eye out.
I’ve been removed.
…I think if you combine this from the Facebook page:
“Wonder if they felt that way if their child came out with a malformity, they’d probably get rid of it because “it was not drop to your knees†perfect!!!!””
With XUP’s (entire) comment:
“I’m convinced that they’d rather put a dog down than give him to someone that isn’t 100% of the same mindset as the dog adoption folks.”
…you’ll get a really clear idea as to what you’re dealing with. You have an obvious case to take them to task for both libel and slander. If you want.
In the meantime, go to the Humane Society, go through their process, adopt the dog you want, be happy.
and all I did was post a link to one of your posts about Sam (and mentioned he had a pointy nose!)
WOW. What an absurd situation.
I’m glad the rescue organization is concerned about who they adopt to, but seriously? Threats of a lawsuit? I’ve read your post a few times, and I don’t get it.
She’s not winning herself (or her organization, or the dogs she “helps”) any points with all this. Especially by trolling the comments section and posting multiple comments under different names! Nice try. It just comes off as crazy.
Please keep us in the loop!
Real echo chamber over at the FB page there. It’s ok, I made SURE to post about it too on my page.
And yanno, I must have felt pretty strongly because I have been in self imposed FB exile since Sept 21.
What terrible “advocates” for dogs. Absolutely shameful behaviour. I wonder how many perfectly wonderful prospective adoptive families they have treated so shabbily?
I have met people like this before. Controlling.
As I said on the other post, I’m going to come back to all this in the morning. But in the meantime, I wanted to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart for leaving such thoughtful and supportive comments. It means more to me than I can even express. Thank you.
i reported thmon fb.
Seriously one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard of! Then you name you on Facebook warning other rescues? Horrific. Crossing fingers and toes that you find a great dog for your family soon!
Insane. I hate that this kind of behaviour will probably put people off adopting from rescues.
So sorry that you and GC had to get your names dragged through the mud.
Hi, Zoom, i’m visiting your blog for the first time. When my previous cat died, I had some run-ins with a cat fostering network that were disturbing, so I can believe what’s happening to you. But this situation is highly irregular and I wonder if you don’t have grounds for some kind of legal action against this organization. I also think they may be violating the Facebook terms of service. At any rate, your original post was absolutely reasonable, and if someone contemplating dog adoption DOESN’T examine all their motivations and questions of fit and suitability, they’re irresponsible. I wish you all the best in your search for a new family member.
Zoom and GC, if they only knew what amazing people you both are towards your furry and feathery friends. Bon courage…
Beware of zealots and true believers. This really sucks.
Good Morning Zoom.
I hope today brings you a great start to a new day looking for a dog.If there is any one that deserves to be a care taker for a needing pet it is both you and GC. Spending time with the both of you with your pets, and ours, we know that any animal would be happy and healthy living within your home.
Good Luck
You need a lawyer. That FB stuff is defamation.
From FGDR’s adoption application:
NOTE: All information provided to FGDR will be kept strictly confidential and will only apply to your adoption application.
I assume this is where they got your name to post on Facebook.
What a sleazy operation.
You did the right thing by asking yourself all the same questions any responsible pet owner asks. I hope you receive an apology from FGDR. It’s the very least they should do.
You will find your perfect dog, one with the spirit of Sam and Logan combined.
Oh my, Zoom!! I read and reread your post and cannot figure out the problem….I What is it that she did not like? I know you….you and GC would offer a canine friend an excellent home. I am baffled!! BTW, poodles make wonderful companions. You are right, they do not have the big puppy eyed cutness factor that, say, a lab would, but wow, what FUN and brains! Good luck with this, and I so hope Ms. Knapp takes the time to explain why she has barred you from adopting. Before adopting our poodle I tried to adopt from a shelter. This turned out to be the most frustrating experience ever. We were, however, extremely impressed by the Ottawa Humane Society, and they are now my charity of choice even though my poodle does not come from there. Good luck Zoom!!
ok, Zoom, I just read all the other posts. Break away. This woman has interpreted things in a way that is extremely unacceptable. Go to the Humane Society. After my experience I stayed clear from these centers. It is so unfortunate. Good luck! BTW, is there. place where SHE could be reported? Does she get grants?
Zoom, I don’t know you, but I’ve been following your blog for a few years now because you’re such a darn good writer, and I just wanted to say that as a fellow animal lover I am shocked and heartbroken that this is happening to you and GC.
FGDR/Kim, if you are reading this, I hope you know that you will be losing a wonderful adoptive family in these two people, and I sincerely hope you reconsider and apologize to them for your behaviour. They would be a wonderful match for one of your dogs, and we all know that good pet owners are in short supply. Your reaction has made your organization look irrational and mean-spiritedl, and if this continues I will be spreading the word (which, as you say, travels like wildfire) among all my friends and family to avoid FGDR when adopting a dog. I would hate to see someone else’s name dragged through the mud like this.
Just because people take an animal’s looks into consideration when choosing a pet doesn’t mean that they are bad people who don’t look at any other factors as well. I own a pug, and you better believe I researched the HELL out of the breed before we went looking for our dog! Zoom openly acknowledges that Vixen is a wonderful dog all around and even admits that she is guilty/embarrassed by the feeling of being impeded by the dog’s looks, which is why she took to her blog to ask for advice. She obviously isn’t making this the main decision point because she clearly knows it’s not the most important factor.
Good luck to you, Zoom!
Zoom and GC, I totally lost as to why any organization would put your names of their Facebook Site and write a bunch of lies about you two wonderful people. I am so upset by of of this, what a horrible women, she is not thinking of the animals, it is her own miserable self that she is speaking for. I feel sorry about Vixen you two would of made such a wonderful owners for this resculed dog. Vixen could not have found better parents!!! I am absolutely Kim realized that she represents all the donors and members of this organization and that she is not doing this organization any favours by acting like this. I am sure that Kim does not reprsent this organization very well. Kim smarten up and apologize to CG and Zoom and don’t be such a coward as to delete the posts/comments from other people who know Zoom and GC on your Facebook Page for Friendly Giants Dog Rescue. I am sure that Facebook does not want you to use their application like this. Facebook is meant to be a place where people can get in touch with each other, not a place to list awful comments about good, honest, lovely people that Kim does not even know.
Zoom i am so sorry to hear that this has happened to you and after reading and rereading your post I see nothing wrong with it, as Im sure you already know.
Now, from a legal stand point, I recognize that they are a non-profit organization and since they do handle dogs I wouldn’t recommend going after them for money, I would however do something about the slander and defamation of your names. Not only has she posted this on her facebook but there has been 2 shares, which means that two people have posted the same on THEIR facebook (and they are dog shelters, Catahoula Rescue-Ontario, who I have emailed explaining the real story of the situation, and Rescue Ink Redemption) This is getting out of hand, and your name is being spread and slandered, for no just reason. You sound like an amazing owner and I’m sorry this is happening to you.
I would also urge anyone to try to contact Rescue Ink Redemption since I cant seem to, and even Catahoula Rescue-Ontario they cant be getting the full story.
I agree with Michelle and if you need screen captures Papapan made some. This is being spread.
The only time I have ever seen these beware messages with names attached forwarded around the community before is with individuals who are animal abusers – torturers, people seeking bait dogs, or people looking at rescues for breeding stock. She is putting you in *that* light. This is serious.
The post on the Catahoula Rescue-Ontario Facebook page was not made by the rescue and I believe it has now been removed.
Thank you Nonny, I appreciate that.
I just saw it’s been removed from the Rescue Ink Redemption page as well.
It’s not even on the FGDR page anymore!
I had sent them both an email saying that they could be a part of something they dont want to be if this turns legal, and regardless it wont look good on them to be a part of this. Im glad they listened. All the better
I hope this gets settled Zoom and Im glad you’re standing up for yourself.
Every else has said it better than I can. (And frankly, Kim’s behavior has me so appalled that I’m practically incoherent, anyway…)
Who would have thought that being thoughtful and responsible about a big decision would make you unsuitable?
Gah!
I did not read all the comments but enough to get the impression that “these people” do not think anyone that cares even a tiny bit what their dog looks like should be allowed to adopt one.
This is how the values of an entire country are being corrupted. Bullying is the pith and substance of the present government. From there it’s been seeping downwards, into the media and to the grassroots. What you’re experiencing is bullying, pure and simple, and I’m glad you’re standing up to it.
Many many thanks to all of you who played a part in getting that defamatory warning about GC and me removed from those facebook walls, including FGDR’s wall. I understand that there were messages exchanged, points made, posts reported to Facebook, FGDR sponsors contacted, etc., and the end result was that the original post and the three re-posts all disappeared. We’re very happy about that. (For the record, apart from the original post at FGDR, the reposting was not done by the rescue organizations themselves, but by individuals visiting their pages.)
Thanks so much, everyone! If nothing else happens, I think this should be the end of this whole fiasco. Even though I never managed to respond to all your comments, GC and I read and appreciated every single one of them. You people are the very, very best.
We’re looking forward to putting our time and energy back into searching for a dog to love. Must have low prey drive, a good sense of humour, and enjoy long walks on the beach. 😉
So glad to see you have so much support, Zoom. As I’ve said in a previous post, we all are visual people and judge so many things on looks. And FDGR knows this or they wouldn’t have such beautiful pictures of their dogs on their website. So they are being disingenuous when they censure you on your questioning the look of the dog.
As for her facebook page and her threats, it’s pretty easy to get a cease and desist order from what I understand. At least that would stop the slander and liable until you decide if you want to persue further legal action. But I think I would definitely look into getting one before this goes any further.
Good luck with your dog search. The perfect one is just out there wagging its tail waiting for you. (and as far as I’m concerned, anyone who would go to the lengths that you did to find your bird when he got out is probably one of the best owners a pet could ever have)
Hi Zoom,
I just wanted to say that not everyone in the rescue community agrees with the reason that FGDR declined your application. I hope this horrible experience does not affect your opinion of all rescues. Your blog was wonderful, honest and real. There are many, many more rescues. Keep looking. Another great site is petfinder.com or http://helpinghomelesspets.com/
TBH I don’t see the difference in posting the blog or the rescue episodes of Pick a Puppy. They show families that are looking for a dog and the families have to choose between three dogs. They talk about what the liked/disliked, etc of each dog and breed. Anyway, just my two cents! Good luck at finding your furever friend! And kudos to you for wanting to adopt a rescue dog.
You are such a positive person Zoom and I know you’ll find an awesome canine companion soon. Seeing your name up with Beware next to it just made me so mad – it wasn’t just
Your original post seems completely innocuous.
I cannot conceive of why anybody would think they could sue you successfully over it, nor why they would consider it suitable grounds to block you from adopting a pet.
Zoom – this whole thing was the craziest damn thing I ever heard!! I’m SO sorry that FGDR is run by bat-shit crazy people – of course, not all rescues are like that!! We work with two different dog rescues out here in BC, both of whom would have been THRILLED to have responsible, loving, experienced pet owners like you and GC adopt their dogs. Any dog that ends up with you two is going to be so so lucky.
That said, it was delightful to read through the comments and see your bloggy friends being insanely furious on your behalf (as well they should). At least you come out of this weird incident knowing how beloved and well-thought of you and GC are! And I’m sure you’ll find the perfect pup for your family soon!
I am a volunteer with a dog rescue. Not all rescues would behave like this…honestly. This issue has also taken the rescue community by storm, as we don’t all agree with FGDR decision, and especially not about them breaching confidentiality with their facebook postings. I think it is disgraceful what has happened here, it just takes one person to ruin it for everyone, please don’t let this turn you off all rescues. The rescues are discussing what has happened here. Try a rescue that signs a code of conduct and has someone to answer to. Helpinghomelesspets is one such group. Take a look at their code of conduct. If you have an issue with a member organization, you can lodge a complaint to them and they will do an investigation. I am sorry that this has happened to you, I think it was wonderful that you asked yourself the hard questions and took dog ownership seriously.
Laurie
Thank you for this comment Laurie and not just because Zoom and GC are friends and really good people. Any animal that comes to my home will be some sort of a rescue and I’m relieved to hear that codes of conduct and investigations are the norm. Happy New Year one and all!
Thank you for your support, Laurie. And don’t worry, I still love the rescue community. I think you do very important work, and it must be emotionally difficult at times, given the never-ending stream of dogs that need help. I’ve met some really great rescue folk as a result of all this. And we have a new dog! Her name is Rosie, she’s two years old, and she’s from the Humane Society.
It’s funny you should mention helpinghomelesspets.com – we actually decided to make a small donation to them this week!
[…] someone who has a dog. A dog is one of the best pets to have. They are naturally affectionate and it is indisputable that t…of dogs in shelters, a lot of them are left to be euthanized. Statistics show that in the US alone, […]
Woop, just saw this post after my previous comment.
(Late) congrats on your bundle of fur!
And please do not think that FGDR is ANYTHING like other Ottawa rescues. They’re off in their own corner with a dunce cap. 😉